Top Tech #004

By Henry Winchester

From high-tech to low-tech, we have a round-up of cool gadgets from around the world to inspire and tantalise. From the new Google Nexus 5 to a remote control orb, check this lot out...

Introduction

We're old enough to remember the Megadrive and SNES console wars, and it looks like history is repeating: Microsoft's Xbox One is going head-to-head with Sony's PlayStation 4. Both are released in the coming weeks, but the Xbox One is out sooner, so we've included it here. They're also a little more powerful than Sega and Nintendo's consoles...

Also debuting in this week's round-up are a few nice cameras, some of which can fly; a couple of 3D-based apps; a music machine and a special mystery surprise at the end! (Yes, it's a lamp.)

1. Xbox One

Experience the future of gaming right now (well, on 22 November) with the Xbox One (£429), Microsoft's latest super-duper games console. It packs an AMD ‘Jaguar' Accelerated Processing Unit, 8GB of RAM and a Blu-Ray drive, which basically means it makes new games look nice and spangly. Among those spangly games are Assassin's Creed IV, Forza Motorsport 5 and Ryse: Son of Rome.

2. 3D Builder

Microsoft isn't just about the Xbox: it's keen to keep Windows 8 ahead of the game, and it's just released a free 3D printing app for PCs running the operating system. It takes models in a variety of popular formats and does all the necessary tech gubbins to get them to your 3D printer.

3. Sony Alpha 7

There's an argument that you don't need ludicrous megapixels to take amazing snaps, but the Sony Alpha 7 (£1,299) completely rubbishes that idea. It packs a whopping 24.3 megapixel sensor, which jumps to 36.3 megapixels on its bigger brother, the Alpha 7R (£1,699). They're rather pricey, but for your cash you also get a magnesium alloy body and one of the smallest interchangeable lens cameras on the market.

4. 123D Catch

Autodesks' free 123D Catch app has been available for a while, but it's just had an update so it's a good time to take a look. It uses your iOS device's camera to capture objects in 3D, which can then be imported to your modelling software of choice. Among the update's highlights are enhanced processing tech and a compass to help you navigate around your objects.

5. Panono

Panoramas appear to be the new instagram, with every man and his dog releasing some sort of app or product capable of ultra-side shots. Panono looks pretty cool, though: it's a throwable ball covered in lenses, which are then stitched together to create amazing 360-degree images. It's currently seeking funds via Indiegogo.